avatarDawn Swinnie Lumene

Summary

The text reflects on the nature of dreams and the past, emphasizing the importance of moving forward without being hindered by past traumas or nightmares.

Abstract

The poem "Dreams Rise" uses the metaphor of dreams as embers to convey a powerful message about resilience and renewal. It suggests that dreams, much like embers, can both comfort and burn, symbolizing the dual nature of aspirations and memories. The text speaks to the experience of waking up to the realization that dreams, both good and bad, are transient, and that the past, once it falls to the ground, should not be revisited. It acknowledges the pain of watching memories turn to smoke and the necessity of starting anew, framing this as a second chance granted by a merciful force. The poem encourages letting go of the past, urging the reader to flee from it and to resist the temptation to look back at the 'charred keepsakes' and 'debris filled trinkets.' It emphasizes that ashes cannot be restored, and thus the past should be left behind to allow for healing and the creation of a new life. The refrain "Don't look back" serves as a poignant reminder to not dwell on sorrow or relive painful experiences, but rather to focus on the present and the future, where new dreams can rise from the ashes of the old.

Opinions

  • The past, with its nightmares and dreams, is transient and should not hold one back from embracing the future.
  • Starting over is likened to a second chance, with the implication that it is an opportunity for growth and improvement.
  • Memories, when they become a source of pain, are depicted as something that can and should be let go of.
  • The act of not looking back is portrayed as essential for personal progress and emotional healing.
  • The poem suggests that God's love is universal, but He challenges individuals with different trials and mercies.
  • The text conveys a sense of urgency in leaving behind the past, comparing it to a burning building from which one must escape to survive and thrive.
  • The refrain "Dreams rise" serves as a reminder of the persistent nature of dreams and the human spirit's capacity to envision and strive for a better future.

Dreams Rise

Photo by Chirag Nayak on Unsplash

Dreams rise like embers

Dreams rise

Dreams are perfect nightmares

Because when you suddenly wake up

All your dreams are floating up

And your past is on the ground

Just when you think

You’ll have this always and forever

Think again

As fury gobbles it all up

Your memories go up in smoke

And you’re forced to start over

It’s like a second chance

For the least of these

God loves us all

But He places different battles

On different mercies

Build you up a good life

Flee from the past and don’t look back

Bring only your body

There’s no room for the charred keepsakes

No compartments for the debris filled trinkets

Don’t look back

You done saw the flames

That’s the only way to let it all die

It’s the one thing that solidifies the death

Because ashes can’t come back

Don’t look back

Don’t relive the horrific scene again

When you’ve forgiven yourself

And let your wounds heal

Don’t open those scars

Don’t look back

When the past is submerged under rubble

All you have is the present to be thankful

And the future to create

The burns that haunt you still

Won’t compare to the new life waiting

Don’t look back

Don’t turn back to the fiery madness

Don’t go back to the nightmare of sadness

Don’t run back to the unforgivable

Don’t look back

Dreams rise like embers

Dreams rise

Bury the nightmares

Like ashes on concrete

Furnace night caps

Got you wanting to turn your head

But don’t look back

Don’t waste your tears on the past

Don’t waste your vision on the old life

Dreams rise

Dreams rise in the night

Glowing visions of surprise

But don’t look back

Even when it gets hard

Dreams rise

Dreams rise like embers

When the inevitable is right in front of you

Don’t look back

When the smoke suffocates you

And the heat exhausts you

Don’t look back

Dreams rise

Dreams rise

Dreams rise like embers

Poetry
Fire
Tragedy
Life
Life Lessons
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